How to dodge fines and keep a clean licence with your TomTom

Your TomTom satnav isn’t just good for guiding you from one place to another, it can guard against fines, extra charges and help you keep a clean licence.

Want to stay on the right side of the law? Then come with us as we plot a course to trouble-free motoring

Step 1: Did you know your TomTom’s already equipped to guard against toll roads? Try and plot a course along one and it’ll tell you about extra charges on the way. Don’t worry, there’s an option to force another route. Beware though, the alternative directions could give you a longer journey, and may burn more petrol than the toll would cost.

The standard TomTom software also knows all about London’s congestion charge. Try to enter the capital’s pricey inner sanctum, and you satnav will jump to attention to help you save some cash.

Step 2: Got a lead foot? Don’t worry, your TomTom can warn you if you’re approaching a speed camera. If you’ve got a fairly new version of TomTom’s software installed, the warnings will be switched on by default. You’ll hear a warning tone as you approach the camera, and the speed limit will flash on-screen.

Don’t have a fresh copy of the TomTom software? Then download TomTom Home for your PC or Mac from the company’s website, plug in your satnav, choose the “Add maps…” button, and select “Safety cameras.” You’ll be on your way in no time.

Step 3: Like any map-based data, the reliability of TomTom’s speed camera database, and even the accuracy of its toll road library will degrade over time. You should always make sure you’re using up to date map data to stay on the right side of both extra charges, and safety cameras.

Thankfully, it’s easy to update your satnav’s maps. Just download TomTom Home as described above, hook up your satnav and choose “Update my device” from the main menu. You’ll soon be told if there’s any new software available.

Must-have accessories
PC or Mac – To get the most out of your TomTom, you really need to hook it up to the TomTom Home software. To do that, you’ll need a PC or Mac computer.

Broadband connection – Once you’ve got a computer sorted, you’ll need to connect to the internet to grab new software, maps and added extras. Check out our handy guide to choosing a broadband provider if you’re in any doubt.

You can chat about the trusty TomTom over at the PriceRunner forum

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